The revered Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has issued a stern warning to individuals involved in land grabbing, declaring that difficult times await those who tarnish the city's image. The monarch made this decisive statement during the inauguration of a special five-member legal committee at the Olubadan Palace in Oke Aremo, Ibadan.
A Legal Front Against Land Grabbing
The newly formed committee is composed of eminent legal practitioners tasked with confronting the menace of land grabbing from a robust legal standpoint. The members are Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN), Barrister Musibau Adetunbi (SAN), Yinka Okunade, Rahman Abiodun AbdulRaheem, and Tunji Thomas. Barrister Adetunbi was notably absent from the inauguration ceremony.
Oba Ladoja, surrounded by members of the Olubadan-in-Council, emphasized that the committee must collaborate with experts from various critical fields. He instructed them to co-opt professionals from town planning, surveying, security agencies, and the judiciary to ensure the committee possesses the necessary authority and expertise to execute its mandate effectively.
Unity of Purpose and a Tight Deadline
The Olubadan revealed a united front between the traditional institution and the state government. He stated that both the Oyo State Government and the Olubadan-in-Council are fully aligned in the mission to eradicate land grabbing from Ibadan. Describing the complexity of the issue, Oba Ladoja said, "Land grabbing is like an interlocking web of complex connections involving diverse interests that need to be unravelled."
Expressing his confidence in the appointees, the monarch charged them to begin work immediately. He gave the committee a strict deadline of 21 days to submit their recommendations. He clarified that this legal advisory body is intended to strengthen the existing committee on land matters, which is headed by Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori.
Strong Support and a Call for Special Tribunals
The Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, voiced strong support for the initiative. He stressed that stringent action has become imperative as land grabbing continues to endanger the lives and properties of residents. Oba Ajibola proposed an even more drastic measure, suggesting that anti-land grabbing tribunals should be established in all eleven local government areas within Ibadanland if possible.
In his response on behalf of the committee, Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN) thanked the Olubadan and the council for the trust placed in them. He described the assignment as a call to service and pledged their commitment. Akintola also highlighted the alignment with state government interests, noting, "The Oyo State Government is not favourably disposed to land grabbing either, and as such, the anti-land grabbing advisory committee will strengthen the State Government’s resolve to tackle this menace."
The historic event was graced by a full complement of the Olubadan-in-Council and other prominent Ibadan chiefs, underscoring the collective resolve to restore peace and lawful ownership of land in the ancient city.
